"Now I'm on the other side of the fence and I'm really enjoying that—I'm now the event coordinator." As such, longtime festival–goer Sandy Sobek Leslie says she's been able to gear the annual Elver Park Fourth of July Fireworks Festival toward the spirit of families, in the spirit of national pride.
"I'm a Fourth of July fan—my birthday's tomorrow—so I missed the Fourth of July by 27 minutes, so I've always been very patriotic and so this was just a logical step for me to do something great this year," Sobek Leslie says.

And this year marks another change in the annual festival, as Clear Channel Radio shoots its way into the first year of a three–year event coordination contract.
But don't expect the works to fire their way too far from the old stomping grounds.
"Our goal—last year we took over the fireworks—in about eight weeks—was to begin a process to give a fundraiser for the Madison Parks Foundation, but keep the event a very family–oriented event," says Jeff Tyler, of Clear Channel.

To this end, this year's root beer floats and Milio's sandwiches can expect some company next year.
"Some more kids activities during the day. We'll do some interactive things—some learning things, some games," Tyler says.

Something to look up at...and forward to...

One aspect of the Festival which will not change is the date of the Elver Park event.
Tyler assures NBC 15 the event will always be held on the fourth day of July.